Reeves and Sons Watercolor Box

A “Treasure Box”

My brass inlaid box, though missing a few parts, and possibly donning a replaced knob, is still a treasured representation of the efficacious portable watercolor box of the later 18th century and early 19th century.

The watercolor cakes Reeves are credited to have invented in 1781 are long gone and half of its porcelain saucers remain in their custom cut inserts. A tray for the cakes would have existed, as well as possibly an insert for a water glass. A delicate leather folder tucks papers into it’s lid.

The production of the box is not certain to me. There are two labels inside the box, the top reads a May 17th, 1781, but it is part of a declaration of a society that is difficult to read. The Reeves and Sons lower label suggests an early 19th century date.

A future day perchance I will own a reproduction of this piece to use, if a skilled woodworker would like to take on the challenge to do so for me!